Other Gentlemanly Pur-suits?

[scruffyv]

So there seem to be certain things that go together . . . if you tinker with cars you might like auto racing, for example.

So, if you go to great lengths to understand what a good traditional wet shave is, and come to understand that many of the products arose from England as part of the "gentleman's tradition", would it not make sense that you would be interested in what makes a good traditional suit of clothes?

There is this author and custom clothier, Alan Flusser. I have a book of his "Style and the Man" which goes into detail on what type of suit a man should wear, and why certain style choices are better than others. The thing that made me think of B&B is that much of the ratoinale as to why good men's clothing looks the way it does is rooted in traditional english gentlemen's behavior-- like traditional DE shaving perhaps?

(so get to the point Vin!)

I guess what I am asking is-- is all that clothing stuff interesting to any of you, and do you feel a connection between shaving like a gentleman, and dressing like a gentleman? (or for that matter acting like a gentleman).

Just putting it out there to see if you gents (!) find it worthy of discussion. Just to add fuel, I am thinking of getting a custom suit (not as expensive as you think if you leverage the Hong Kong or Bangkok Tailors).

So is this a "normal" coupling of related interests, or is this sort of like the addictive slippery slope-- first shaving, then custom suits, the next thing you know you are going to the nail salon every week to get your cuticles done. (Not that there is anything wrong with that . . . .)

Comments welcome, and happy shaving.

Vin

[htownmmm]

I too owned Alan Flusser's book and had a subscription to GQ magazine the entire time I was in the army.

So clothing is very important to me- I currently own 14 suits, 12 sportcoats, 8 other slacks. I have shirts divided by all white, white collars, french cuffs, buttondowns, colors, and stripes.

About 80 ties and 60 different pairs of socks. I also have shoes in black, brown, burgundy, navy blue, olive, camel, spectator, grey, and green.

Another area of my life where resistance is futile!

Marty

[Jim]

I too owned Alan Flusser's book and had a subscription to GQ magazine the entire time I was in the army.

So clothing is very important to me- I currently own 14 suits, 12 sportcoats, 8 other slacks. I have shirts divided by all white, white collars, french cuffs, buttondowns, colors, and stripes.

About 80 ties and 60 different pairs of socks. I also have shoes in black, brown, burgundy, navy blue, olive, camel, spectator, grey, and green.

Another area of my life where resistance is futile!

Marty

Whazzat?

[htownmmm]

Black shoes with white in the center of them so they look like spats.


Marty

[Jim]

SWEET!

[peacefrog]

Nice clothes definitely affect your mind-set in much the same way that a good shave does. In fact, lately my shaving has made me think about stepping my daily dress up a bit. I hate wearing ties, though. But I love wearing a sport coat.

[ratcheer]

I am too poor to dress well.

On one hand, I have to wear a business suit to work every day, but on the other, I have two children in private school. Decent suits cost $550 when they are on sale and shoes, ties, and belts make my eyeballs pop out.

Life is good, but sometimes it can be difficult.

Tim

[scruffyv]

Just some more random thoughts . . . .

Cost is a concern. But knowledge could help to get a good deal. I think that is a recurring theme on this BB. A good used Gillette DE can cost less than $25.

You know what is really expensive? Looking lousy and having people in business judge you based on that first impression. Not that you have to look like a Jermyn Street dandy, but the subtle stuff about men's clothing, people notice without consciously realizing that they are noticing. Is the sleeve of the suit too long, making you look like you are borrowing your Dad's suit? Are your shoes cleaned, well maintained, and shined? I have had many women tell me that a man with dirty very worn out shoes is a turn off. Do your pants look like you are preparing for a flood?

It does not cost too much to build enough knowledge to dress OK, just like it does not cost toomuch to get a good shave.

Not all expensive suits are good suits, and not all good suits are expensive. I have a Hart Schaffner and Marx Suit that cost $400 about ten years ago. Nail head grey worsted wool, and it still looks new. I have also spent $500 or more for a suit that lasted less than two years.

There are also very fine suits which are made to drape just so and which just are not made for the workaday world-- the material is just too fine to stand up to the abuse. However, the same suit could make you look like a prince for years if you only wear it for special occasions.

I read somewhere (and I agree with it) that it is better to get a less quality suit well tailored so it fits you than to have an ill fitting high quality suit. Taking this thinking to the extreme, there are some Hong Kong and Bangkok based tailors which have reps in the US and who make completely custom suits for $500 or less-- using high thread count high quality wools.

Um . . . does anyone know of a BB about men's suits and clothing?

[scruffyv]

I too owned Alan Flusser's book and had a subscription to GQ magazine the entire time I was in the army.

So clothing is very important to me- I currently own 14 suits, 12 sportcoats, 8 other slacks. I have shirts divided by all white, white collars, french cuffs, buttondowns, colors, and stripes.

About 80 ties and 60 different pairs of socks. I also have shoes in black, brown, burgundy, navy blue, olive, camel, spectator, grey, and green.

Another area of my life where resistance is futile!

Marty

Man, you are stylin!

I also type and "colorize" (sort by color) my shirts-- but I have nowhere near the collection you have. I recently bought a Charles Tyhrwhytte (sp?) and a Thomas Pink off the rack shirts in bright colors to mix in with my more generic selections. I like the way they look and fit. It is cool to try to add some color to your wardrobe and try not to come out looking like a freak.

Vin

[catatonic]

My daily wear is baggy blue jeans, and either a polo shirt, t-shirt, or short sleeved button up shirt.

If I need to dress up though, then most folks will not recognize me...I can look very good in a suit. I just don't like how they feel on me though.

[MasonM]

Yes, I am quite into the whole "gentleman" thing. Clothing, shave, and most importantly, behavior. I feel that acting a gentleman is far more important than whether or not one can afford good clothing or proper shaving supplies.

I've had a number of people express surprise that I am a truck driver, including other truck drivers. A gentleman stands out because he presents a certain dignity that isn't born of clothing but of attitude and presence. You can dress a gentleman in rags and he will still be a gentleman.

[Mama Bear]

How 'bout, a Gorgeous woman that is taking you out on the evening as eye candy... treats you to before champagne and a red rose, shrimp coctail, lobster bisque, salade, beef, veggies and taters, with an afterdinner cognac or B&B and espresso with cheesecake, laughing all night long and making you feel like a million bucks all night... Remember, this is probably your wife.....! :-)


What WAS the name of this thread anyway.....

[Mama Bear]

I would rather take a gent out in faded jeans and a tshirt than an overblown jerk in a 3 piece.... anyday...

Guys, dress how you want, be who you are, but the best you can be will never have anything to do with your clothes, your shoes or your looks.

Your bearing and your confidence, ability to look a woman in the eye and still be open and honest from your heart... and the joy of honest laughter.. These are the things that mean something to me.

Being close shaven is not being a gentleman. Being a gentleman is being a gentleman.

Professional standards are probably just the opposite of this.. Give me a Mason over a Donald Trump any day.... you know? but I would rather hire Donald Trump..... ;-)

Alright, that's enough for me tonight, and probably enough for a week. My apologies if anyones feelings are hurt by this.

[MasonM]

Being a gentleman is being a gentleman.

That's the truth of it, isn't it?

[Mama Bear]

It is an incredibly simple thing... it really is.

I have to say that there are more gentlemen on this board than I have otherwise met in my life... this is probably what keeps me hanging around... you guys are the best guys I know. God Bless you ALL!

Bear Hugs!

[MasonM]

It is an incredibly simple thing... it really is.

I have to say that there are more gentlemen on this board than I have otherwise met in my life... this is probably what keeps me hanging around... you guys are the best guys I know. God Bless you ALL!

Bear Hugs!

If we were ever to meet someplace, I'd be the man holding the door for you while tipping his hat.

[Mama Bear]

Then I will look forward to the day we meet someplace......

[mrob]

Would you 2 like to be alone?

[TimmyBoston]

Mama Bear, we all love you, but you are such a FLIRT!

[Mama Bear]

Hey! I resemble that remark! lol